World Rugby to consider transgender participation

Keen to establish clear guidelines on the controversial issue, World Rugby is consulting with experts and the global women’s game ahead of a London summit next week. The issue of trans women competing in women’s sport has become a thorny debate. World Rugby, the game’s governing body, said research suggests a reduction of testosterone does not lead to a proportionate reduction in strength and power and that it is important for contact sports to take into consideration player welfare.

“There is growing recognition of the importance of autonomy of gender identity in society, and all sports are currently evaluating their policies to ensure that they are fit for purpose in the modern sporting and societal landscape,” chairman Bill Beaumont said. “Rugby is no different, and this forum makes it possible to explore the best available evidence and hear the relevant expert opinions.”

As the trans trend continues to grow men who identify as women have been victors in a range of sports including wrestling, cycling, football, and athletics.

Rugby is a contact sport and concerns for women’s safety would have to be paramount in making a decision to allow biological males to compete alongside females.

Binary spokeswoman, Kirralie Smith, can’t see how this would be acceptable.

“Males have a massive advantage over females in contact sports due to their size, strength and capacity. No amount of hormones or surgery can altar biological facts. Their bone structure, muscle mass, and lung capacity are greater.”

“World Rugby must protect the women who choose to participate by ensuring the competition is not corrupted by males who identify as women. It would be dangerous for the women and grossly unfair.”